Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 19, 2025: SOAP #5557:  Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 26:15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them

OBSERVATION:   Here the Apostle Paul is telling of how he met the Lord.  He must have been greatly surprised that the Lord was the very one He had been persecuting!  He was probably even more surprised that this Jesus did not come with revenge, but with an assignment.  Paul was being sent to people from whom he would need to be rescued.  Even before the first time Paul needed to be rescued, he had already received the promise of rescue from the Lord!

APPLICATION:   Experiencing trouble is not an indication that I have missed the Lord.  I should not be surprised when trouble comes my way.  And I too have the promise of the Lord to be with me and to bring me not to a life free from trouble, but to a life victorious over trouble.   Like Andre Couch sang:  “…if I never had a problem, I’d never know that God could solve them; I’d never know what faith in God can do.” 

God already knows what it will take to accomplish the assignment He has given me.  I wonder if God is not hurt when I look to others to do what He has already promised to do!  He knows my limitations.  He knew them when He gave me the assignment!  He not only wants to accomplish something through me, at the same time He wants to accomplish something in me.  He is growing my faith!  2Chronicles 20:12 “…We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you!”

PRAYER:   Lord, if you send me to a place in which I will need rescue, you will rescue.  If you send me to a place that needs provision, you will provide.  If you send me to a place that needs a message, you will give the message.   Lord, my eyes are on you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 18, 2025: SOAP #5556:  Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 25:25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”

OBSERVATION:   Festus was having trouble.  He knew Paul was innocent. (Verse 25)  But, in order to please the Jews, he had kept Paul as a prisoner.  He wanted to take Paul to Jerusalem for trial; but then Paul appealed to Caesar.  Now Festus was obligated to send Paul to Rome, but he did not know what charges should be made against Paul. 

APPLICATION:   When it comes to the devil dealing with me, he has the same problem Festus had with Paul.  He cannot find any charges that will stick.  Even the ones of which I was guilty will not stick because they have already been paid for and forgiven by the blood of Jesus!   How frustrating that must be for the devil! 

Of course, I had to confess my sins but when I did, I discovered that He is faithful and just to forgive and He cleansed me from all unrighteousness! (1John 1:9)

SOAP reader, here is your opportunity.  You too can experience the forgiveness that is provided by the death of Jesus.  He was born without sin, and lived without sin, yet he died as though he had sinned.  Now his death is offered to anyone who will receive it as the payment for their sins!!!  So amazing and may be difficult to believe, but it is true!  

PRAYER:   Lord, I confess my sins to you.  Thank You for being faithful and true, for forgiving and cleansing me from all unrighteousness. You make me just like I never sinned!  The devil cannot find a charge that will stick.  I am grateful and set you as the Lord of my life.  My life is now yours! Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 17, 2025: SOAP #5555:  Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers 1:1  The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt. He said:

OBSERVATION:   God speaks in time.  On a certain day, in a certain month, in a certain year, God spoke…and, this is what He said.  It is not some general idea that one cannot tell when it came or from where it came.

APPLICATION:   God speaks to me through His word each day as I journal my SOAP.  Sometimes it is fresh insight or emphasis of previous notes or study; often it is something I have never seen before.  Sometimes my interest seems drawn to a specific verse, but I do not know why until I start writing—then it becomes clear. 

God also speaks by His Spirit into my mind, inserting His thoughts into my mind; like the summer day in 2010 when I turned a corner in the city of Wichita and before my eyes was a school bus with a “Drivers Needed” banner.  In my heart I heard, “You could drive a school bus.”  Then last Sunday when I heard Him say, “Your season for bus driving is over.”  This past week I was scheduled for some refresher training.  I thought, I will finish out this school year on the bus.  There was some trouble in scheduling the trainers to work with me, and I complained to the Lord.  He said, “I did not tell you that bus driving was coming to a close, but that it is over.”  So, I told those in the bus office, “It is over.”  Tomorrow a new season starts for me. 

PRAYER:   Lord, You are a speaker, and I am thankful I can count on you to speak to me.  You have a long history of speaking to people.  We, You and I, have history in your speaking to me.  May you find me faithful and careful in listening and obeying.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

The SOAP conference trip has a short delay.  Pastor Andrew wrote me that in Mali, 27,000 came to the conferences and “17,000 people gave their life to Jesus.”  So, they are staying a few days to do some discipleship training before moving on to Cote d’Ivoire.  As there is a shortage of Bibles (none in the stores for purchase) they would like to leave 500 Bibles with the 5 churches they will establish before leaving.  Some pastors do not have Bibles.  Please pray for these new churches and for Bibles.    

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 16, 2025: SOAP #5554:  Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!  As you have testified about me in Jerusalem so you must also testify in Rome.”

OBSERVATION:   Paul could be encouraged because of four things:  First: the Lord was with him!   Second: The Lord spoke to him!  Third: The Lord knew what he had been doing and was aware of his situation!  Fourth: The Lord had future plans for him!       

APPLICATION:   Bus driving is over for me, but the Lord is with me!  The Lord speaks to me!  The Lord knows what I have been doing!  The Lord still has plans for SOAP ministry and for me!   I am encouraged in the Lord!    

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for the power of your Presence.  Thank you for the strength of your Word.  Thank you for the comfort of knowing that you are aware of my circumstances.  Thank you for the joy of knowing you still have things for me to do!  Thank you for the joy of seeing the SOAP ministry being used in Africa.  I am humbled!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Andrew and Bishop Emmanuel have finished two days of SOAP conferences in Mali.  It is a French speaking country and predominately Muslim.  27,000 people attended the two conferences and there were “17,000 people who gave their life to Jesus.”  They will be having four days of discipleship training and establishing 5 new churches before leaving for Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday.  They are also looking for money to have some Bibles purchased and shipped in from Sierra Leone.  They have found no Bibles for sale in Mali.  Some pastors do not have Bibles.   In many ways, this is a Book of Acts journey.  Keep this ministry team in your prayers.  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 15, 2025: SOAP #5553:  Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 25:14 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

OBSERVATION:   Creation is full of evidence that points to God.  That He exists is obvious.  Yet the only hope man has of knowing God is if God chooses to make Himself known.  This He has done through the scriptures and through God the Son coming to live among us and die for us.  In this verse, God reveals that He opens up His heart to those who believe He exists and that He is worthy of high respect. 

APPLICATION:  My attitude toward God is super important.  Believing that He is the Almighty, ever-existing, all powerful One, causes me to put great value on His word.  What He says is of great importance to me.  As long as I have that attitude I can expect Him to confide in me.

Yesterday I had to acknowledge that God had not told me that bus driving was “coming to an end,” but that this season of bus driving was “over!”  Today I had to go to the bus office and tell them that the One who had told me to drive a school bus 15 years ago, had told me that this season of my life is over.  I cannot hold on until the end of the year; it is over. 

If I want the Lord to “confide in me,” I must “fear” Him.  I must have a healthy respect for the Lord and what He says.  I cannot take His word as a mere suggestion.  When He knows I will respect and obey His word, He will continue to speak to me. 

If I am to continue to write SOAPs, I must have faith that God speaks to me and through me. 

PRAYER:  Lord, You are the supreme being of all creation.  Your words are my great treasure.  That you speak to me is my great honor.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 14, 2025: SOAP #5552:  Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 21:11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

OBSERVATION:   Paul should not have been surprised when his trip to Jerusalem ended up with him being a prisoner on his way to Rome.  All along this return journey to Jerusalem he had been warned that trouble awaited his arrival.  Also, when he first accepted Jesus as the Messiah, he was told that he would suffer and take the gospel to the kings of the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15-16)   So, Paul moved forward in faith!

APPLICATION:  Last Sunday, Pastor Steven preached on the seasons in our life.  I heard the Lord speak to me that my season for bus driving was over.  I started thinking that this 15^th year would be my last.  Because I had some driving issues during an evaluation, I am presently in a time of refresher training which due to some sickness and weather, has been postponed several times—now scheduled for next Tuesday.  I cannot drive until it is completed.  When I heard that I would not be able to finish it today, it came to my mind what God said Sunday.  He did not say bus driving season is “coming to an end,” He said “it is over.”  

When we receive notice from the Holy Spirit that change or trouble is ahead, we need not fear.  We can receive it as a challenge through which God will bring us to victory.  We can move forward in faith expecting God to work everything out for our good and His glory. 

PRAYER:  Lord, change is ahead, but I can move forward in faith that the challenges will not be bigger than you are able to handle!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 13, 2025: SOAP #5551:  Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

(from earlier SOAP)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

OBSERVATION:   What gives value to life?  Different people have different thoughts.  Some value their lives in respect to their families and others in respect to their possessions.  Bottom line is that we all possess the human life made in the image of God which gives everyone value.  And Christians should have even a greater sense of value as they have the Spirit of the Creator God living within them.  Wow!  

Paul had come to love God to such a level that he valued his own life only in terms of fulfilling God’s purpose. 

APPLICATION:   What am I?  I am His creation!  

Whose am I?  He bought me with the sacrifice of His Son! 

Why am I here?  I am here to fulfill His purpose. 

My life is all about Him!  

PRAYER:   Lord, my life is all about you!  Today is all about you!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 12, 2025: SOAP #5550:  Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 19:8 Paul entered the synagogue [in Ephesus] and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So, Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

OBSERVATION:   One can read many Bible chapters in a short time and get the idea that everything happened quickly, even back-to-back.  The passage above shows a time of three months of preaching in the synagogue and then a time of two years of holding daily discussions in a lecture hall.  During this two-year period, everyone who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord!  

Much of the growth of the church in the book of Acts happened around the miracles that accompanied Paul’s ministry.   But here we read of the Holy Spirit using Paul’s faithful daily ministry.  Surely some days it seemed nothing notable happened, but the kingdom was growing and spreading! 

APPLICATION:  Some of the things God is doing in my life take time.  First, I must be patient and not get in a hurry to move on.  I am so glad I did not stop writing and posting SOAPs after just one or two years.  Second, I must be faithful to continue what God has given me to do.  After fifteen years of trusting God for a daily SOAP, God has spread them in many countries.

Pastor, do not give up or quit too soon.  You may not have the church building you have always wanted but use what is available to you.  Your goal is not a building of wood and metal and stone; but an eternal building in heaven!!!

PRAYER:  Lord, patience and faithfulness are of great value to you.  You use them as foundations of ministries that guide people into the eternal home you have prepared for them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 11, 2025: SOAP #5549:  Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 18:27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

OBSERVATION:   We all have three sources of testimony about Jesus.  The first is in creation.  The truth about God can be seen in creation written from the beginning of the world.  (Romans 1:18-20) 

The second source is the special revelation in the Bible.  (John 1:1-5)  The Living Word (Jesus) is revealed through the Written Word, the inspired scriptures. 

The third source is the presence of the Holy Spirit within the life of each believer.  He reveals and applies the truth of the written Word personally to our lives.  He makes Jesus known through the scriptures. 

Apollos was gifted to help people understand that the scriptures proved that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah)!  

APPLICATION:  The purpose of the SOAPs is to reveal God’s plan in small, daily segments.  What makes us want to read the SOAPs is the application.  The application tells us why the scriptures were written.  Here is why they are important 2,000 years after they were written. Here is what they mean for today.   

PRAYER:  Lord, you are just as alive today as you were when the earth was first created.  You are just as alive today as when you walked the earth and gave your life as a sacrifice for my sins.  You are just as alive today as you were when Paul wrote the letters that are a part of the Bible.  Knowing this, makes the whole Bible important and its truth applicable to today.  Knowing that your Holy Spirit who anointed people to write your word—the same Holy Spirit is alive today and lives in every believer encourages us to let the word be applied to our lives every day.  Teach us how to live your Word.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 10, 2025: SOAP #5548:  Leviticus 13-14; Acts 17

(repeat)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 17:2  As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
Luke (NIV) 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.
Hebrews (NIV) 10:25  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

OBSERVATION:   Paul had a practice that was very much like Jesus.  They both had the same custom.  They regularly went to the place where God was honored.    

APPLICATION:  I accepted Christ as my Savior; He now lives inside me and has made me a part of His body, the church.  If those following the Old Testament scriptures were to meet regularly, how much more should the church regularly come together. 

As I want my physical body to interact and work together, how much more does Christ want His body to do the same. 

The writer of Hebrews mentions people with a different custom—that of not meeting together.  How unlike Jesus that custom is. 

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for the privilege of being a part of your body.  May my presence in Your body (the church) be an expression of appreciation for Your Presence in my life!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon